Biofuels

In 2009 the EU adopted the Renewable Energies Directive as part of the Energy Climate Package. This directive is the reference piece of legislation providing the framework for the development of sustainable biofuels, a major outlet for our industry. FEDIOL therefore actively participates in the debate on sustainability and in initiatives seeking to provide certified sustainable raw materials for the European industry (see section on sustainable agriculture).
The EU has today the world’s most advanced legislation in terms of sustainability of biofuels. This very ambitious framework now needs to be implemented in a transparent and pragmatic way. The implementation process should take into account the functioning of the single market and the specifics of the biofuels supply chain which is particularly complex and involved many players from the farmer to the biofuels blender.   

The implementation of the policy needs both the active involvement of national government as well as economic operators who have been involved in the development of voluntary schemes to comply with the Renewable Energies Directive. FEDIOL is particularly keen to see the implementation of the Renewable Energies Directive done in a harmonized way at European level so as to avoid a fragmentation of the European renewables market. This would disrupt trade flows and ultimately curb the development of renewable energies in Europe.

Meeting the renewable energy targets is a great opportunity for the EU renewables sector. The successful implementation of the policy will be a catalyst for the success of the Climate and Energy Package which is a landmark of the EU’s environmental policy.

Any change in the legislation should be done with the utmost caution, based on a consensual scientific base and take into account WTO compatibility. Failing to take these elements into consideration would undermine the legal certainty necessary for operators to continue investing in this world leading industry.